Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana (widely known as “Pepe’s Pizza,” pronounced ‘pep-eez’), a Connecticut-based eatery, will open its first Florida location Monday, October 24 in Broward County’s new restaurant and shopping center, Plantation Walk at 341 N. University Drive, Suite 800.
Founded in New Haven by Frank Pepe in 1925, who immigrated to the United States in 1909 at the age of 16, Pepe’s Pizza is the originator of New Haven-style “apizza,” (pronounced ‘a-beetz’) characterized by its signature crispy yet chewy, slightly charred crust.
Inspired by the look and feel of its New Haven location, Pepe’s first Florida eatery evokes the original’s comfort, familiarity, and tradition. 3,072-square-foot, 106-seat restaurant is visually dominated by the view of its 14 x 14-foot, 104,000-pound oven and the even more significant “paddle area,” where pizzaiolos create made-to-order pizza’s on an oak wood table and use 16-foot-long paddles to place them in the oven.
The Plantation location will uphold the traditions that have aided in the brand’s success for nearly a century, including sourcing the highest quality ingredients from start to finish.
“From Connecticut to Florida, we aim to create a warm familiar experience for our guests, whom we consider an extension of the Pepe’s family,” said Jennifer Kelly, granddaughter of Frank Pepe, who will visit the store on opening day in a statement. “We never deviate from our family’s original recipes cooked in our signature coal-fired, hand-built brick oven that includes iron castings from the New Haven restaurant.”
Pepe’s Specialty Pizzas include the original White Clam Pizza, a combination crafted by Frank Pepe himself (fresh clams with Pecorino Romano, proprietary oil blend, fresh garlic, and oregano), Spinach Mushroom and Gorgonzola (mozzarella and Pecorino Romano), and the Amanti Della Carne (Crushed Italian tomatoes, Mozzarella, Meatball, Pepperoni, Sausage, Bacon, & Pecorino Romano). In addition, guests can enjoy a traditional “Pepe’s Salad” (seasonal greens, grape tomatoes, cucumber, shredded red cabbage, Kalamata olives, Pecorino Romano, and balsamic vinaigrette) or Caesar Salad, along with a selection of red and white wines by the bottle, glass, or carafe. Non-alcoholic beverages and an assortment of imported and domestic craft beer will also be offered. For a sweet finish, Pepe’s offers authentic Italian desserts, including tiramisu, limoncello mascarpone and gelato.
“South Florida has a large influx of Northeasterners, many of whom know and love our brand,” said Wilfredo Duran, general manager of Frank Pepe’s Plantation. “We look forward to introducing the rest of the community to real New Haven ‘apizza.’”
Hours of operation will be 11 a.m. – 10 p.m. seven days a week. In addition to dining in as well as outdoor patio space, patrons can carry out. To-Go orders are quick and convenient with a pick-up counter inside the main entry and designated “Reserved for Pepe’s Takeout Only” parking spaces.
In addition to South Florida and Connecticut, Frank Pepe’s operates in Maryland, Virginia, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and New York. A second South Florida location is set to open in Delray Beach in 2023.
